Thailand National policy dialogue on trade and decent work

Harnessing Thailand’s global competitiveness through decent work

In Thailand, exports account for approximately 70 per cent of GDP and nearly 42 per cent of total employment relies on trade with other countries. As such, underlying the country’s trade competitiveness is well-functioning labour market.

This Brief summarizes the discussions that took place among government leaders, social partners, and academic experts on bridging the gap between trade policy, labour standards, and a just transition at the National Policy Dialogue from the Managing a decent future of work together in Asia-Pacific ("Future of Work: APAC") project funded by the EU, held in Bangkok in late 2025.

The discussion and accompanying analysis highlight the critical need to align economic growth with decent working conditions. The findings underscore the importance of promoting labour provisions in trade agreements, including specific commitments based on International Labour Standards. The Brief also points to the need to empower micro, small and medium-sized enterprises to move into higher value-added activities and adapting workforce development to ensure workers are equipped with future-ready skills. These are important steps towards ensuring Thailand can secure its competitive edge while fostering a more inclusive and resilient labour market.